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"Hey, coach Whatcha doin' here?" The boy's gaze shot to Tessa, her tummy, then to Chase

"Hi, Jason, got a ga?" Chase offered him a bottle of water

The boy wiped his sweaty face on his sleeve, then drank "Yeah, ht we'd practice" Chase and Tessa exchanged a smile "Wanna play? We could use a pitcher Toood today He wiped out on his bike at school"

Chase tossed the ball up and down, then shook his head "No, thanks Go for a long one" Chase drew his arm back

Tessa stopped him "Go play"

He shook his head

"I can see it in your face, Coach Madison You want to I'"

He looked at Jason waiting for the throw, then to the boys co off the diamond to see what delayed their all-important practice "You sure you don't mind?"

She took the ball, rose up on her knees and threw It went high and long, and Jason had to back-step to catch it

Chase was stunned and his wide eyes said as htfoot"

"Shortstop, two years running, city league," she said with a touch of sness

He leaned close and kissed her "Just a few uys, wait up"

Tessa sank onto the pillows and quilt as Chase walked onto the grassy field, rolling up his sleeves It was clear they all knew hireat shots He re occasionally, and his deep voice carried to her When one child smacked the ball out of the field, Chase whooped like a fan, tousling the boy's hair, his expression fatherly proud The sight of him, so comfortable and happy, ood hit, for their forrip, he encouraged He was too good to be true, she thought, full and suddenly tired